Tottenham News: Jose Mourinho gives a mixed review of Japhet Tanganga

Jose Mourinho was talking at the press conference (h/t football.london) ahead of the game against Newcastle United and gave his thoughts on young Tottenham Hotspur centre-back, Japhet Tanganga.

The 22-year-old has not made a whole lot of appearances this season. However, his 10 appearances in all competitions so far have been vital for Spurs.

He has played as a centre-back and at times, at right-back, and has been a very good option when Spurs want to rotate their squad. And Mourinho says that he appreciates that versatility.

“Japhet for us is being like the emergency guy. When we need he is there and when we need sometimes he is a right-back, as a left-back, other times in a centre-back in a defence of three…”

Long way to go

Tanganga has come through the youth academy at Tottenham and has come a long way since his Premier League debut against Liverpool last season.

He has his strengths, of course, but Mourinho acknowledges that the defender is not without his weakness. And the Portuguese gaffer made sure to highlight the areas he thinks Tanganga could improve in.

“As you know he is not a giant, he needs to improve, his crossing needs to improve, the timings to arrive in attacking positions, but he is comfortable with the ball, he doesn’t make many mistakes, he is solid, reads the game well and is a player we can trust.”

Mourinho extended an olive branch and mentioned that Tanganga is humble and is ‘developing well’, but it is clear that he desires more from the youngster before he gives him a run in the senior team.

More Tottenham Hotspur News:

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• Tottenham still scouting Milan Skriniar; Inter Milan ace now valued at €75m

Tanganga would be hoping for his 4th league appearance this season as Spurs take on the Magpies in an early kick-off on Saturday as they try to make a late push for the top 4.